Review – Hollywood Burns by New Disorder

Deafening, delightful yet downright dirty. The debut from New Disorder is at the forefront of emotive metal. The soulful singing and mental music perfectly blends to create ‘Hollywood Burns.’ Vocally the band sound like a cross between Serj Tankien, the metal yet operatic singer from System of a down and Muse’s Matt Bellamy. And on some of the more psychedelic tracks slightly reminiscent of Placebo’s Brian Molko. All in all a deadly cocktail.

‘Hollywood Burns’ has a big feeling too it. The songs yearn to be played loudly and to be heard by everyone.  Tracks like ‘Sick Feeling’ ‘Blue skies’ and ‘Another hero to save’ are gutsy, anthemic slices of rock and roll.

Other brilliant finds in this album are the groovy, trippy and delectable ‘Escape’ and ‘Last Breath.’ The latter also having an extra gothic feel too it, with a beautiful Celtic twist. 

The stand out track for me on the album is ‘Free me from the dark’. It starts off with soft, harmonious vocals; then kick in the filthy guitars. Awesome. Lyrically the song is exquisite too.

New Disorder obviously love to experiment and are not satisfied with just one basic sound. As well as the aforementioned journeys into psychedelia and all out rock, they have also gone all early 90’s on our asses, with grunge influences in tracks ‘Hollywood burns’ and Break out disorder.’

A welcome treat into the weird and wonderful world of all things metal

Last Breath – EP review

Fresh like the sea breeze, Last Breath has an uplifting and energetic approach to their music. From the moment you dive in, to the second you emerge, the experience is a nonstop whirlwind of exertion. Although the lyrics are not always a laugh a minute, the music itself stands out, with its upbeat rhythms and intoxicating melodies.  Imagine the Manic Street Preachers’ track ‘You stole the sun from my heart’ and you’re there.

‘Will not last’ is a fast-paced, take no prisoners’ introduction. The ascension in to the song with the rapid drum beats, culminating with the cool entrance of the guitars, is brutal. A perfect beginning.  The flurry continues with next track ‘It’s my time.’ Just as the band has lured you into their frenzied world, it’s all change. The build up is a bit slower, the song a bit more epic, but with lyrics being about second chances and living for each moment, the overall spirited feeling is still there.

‘My day’ has that American punk rock feeling reminiscent of All American Rejects and Blink 182. ‘The story ends’ carries on this theme, but goes the extra mile. The sound is louder, brasher and that bit more self assertive. Brilliant. 

Every good record has that track that will melt even the cruellest of hearts. ‘Drive all night’ fits that description. Beautiful, soulful and full of passion. 

Do you ever get a feeling that if an R’n’B song got the rock treatment it would actually be good? Well that is exactly what happened when Last Breath thought to cover Taio Cruz’s ‘Break your heart.’ They bring a raw, unfashioned and almost dirty sound to the table. Definitely superior to the original.

‘Been down this road’ finishes the EP on a colossal high. The addition of the haunting female vocals, blended with rough but ready sounds of Last Breath, is something special. 

Reviewed by Samantha Whitham